Should America Keep the Electoral College?


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Annenberg Speak Out- Should America Keep the Electoral College?

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The Electoral College system for electing the president was designed around the politics and population of the country in 1787. It was changed by the 12th Amendment in1804 to prevent the selection of a president and vice-president from opposite parties as had happened in 1796.

Still with this winner take all approach... except in 2 states which divide their vote proportionally, candidates focus most on the battleground states that are two close to call. In this election, Ohio was the key battleground state.

With the Electoral College it is possible to have a president win the presidency without having a majority of the popular vote as happened in 2000 when Al Gore won the popular vote but George W. Bush won the Electoral Vote.

What do you think? Time for a new amendment to change the system, or should we stick with the plan crafted by the Founders?